Purpose
To establish standardized procedures for obtaining, documenting, and honoring patient advanced directives in oncology care settings.
Policy Statement
This oncology practice recognizes and respects patients' rights to make informed decisions about their medical care, including end-of-life decisions, through advanced directives.
Definitions
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Advanced Directive: Legal document expressing patient's wishes regarding medical treatment if they become incapacitated
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Living Will: Document specifying desired medical treatments in terminal conditions
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Healthcare Power of Attorney: Document designating a person to make medical decisions
Procedures
1. Initial Patient Contact
- Ask all new patients if they have existing advanced directives
- Document response in EMR
- Provide advanced directive information packet if requested
2. Documentation Requirements
- Scan copies of advanced directives into EMR
- Flag presence of advanced directives in patient chart
- Update advanced directive status during annual reviews
3. Staff Responsibilities
Medical Staff
- Review advanced directives during initial consultation
- Document discussions in patient records
- Ensure compliance with stated wishes
Administrative Staff
- Maintain current versions of forms
- Assist patients with documentation
- Update EMR as needed
4. Storage and Accessibility
- Keep original documents in designated section of EMR
- Maintain backup copies in secure location
- Ensure 24/7 accessibility to on-call staff
Review and Updates
- Annual policy review required
- Update as needed for regulatory compliance
- Staff training on policy changes
Legal References
- State-specific advanced directive laws
- Patient Self-Determination Act requirements
- HIPAA compliance standards